First PHer response to our story about the
Porsche Mission E
after its unveiling at Frankfurt? "That looks sensational!" A sentiment echoed in many of the 190-odd comments that followed. And guess what, it's going to be built.
This is no tentative first step into the electric realm either. Mission E will see over 700m euros invested in Porsche's Zuffenhausen "factory 4.0", creating 1,000 jobs in the process. The Weissach development centre will also benefit from the investment. Amid the many quotes in the press release confirming the announcement it's perhaps not surprising the most excitable is that of Uwe Huck of Porsche's Central Works Council.
"A day to celebrate!" he says. "Yes, we did it! We brought Mission E to Zuffenhausen and Weissach where the future has tradition. This heralds the dawn of a new age. Digitalisation will be growing up with us. With today's decision, Porsche is driving flat out with no speed restrictions into the automotive and industrial future."
By the standards of a corporate press release from a German automotive manufacturer that's pretty emotive language, perhaps reflecting the level of excitement about the project from both potential customers and those who'll build it. It took a while for anyone to respond to Tesla's challenge but it seems Porsche is going all-in too.
According to the release it'll be the end of the decade before we see the Mission E on the road but Porsche is seemingly sticking by the claims made of the concept at Frankfurt. Meaning "over 600hp", 0-62 in "under 3.5 seconds" and a range of over 300 miles. With a dedicated 800-volt charger the underfloor lithium ion battery pack will be capable of achieving 80 per cent charge in just 15 minutes and Porsche is investigating wireless home charging via induction loops for those with a suitable garage in which to park the car.
All very exciting. But - charging speed apart - this level of performance is, at best, on a par with what Tesla is already offering with its 'ludicrous' acceleration and investment in its Supercharger infrastructure. Five years is a long time, especially when you're up against someone like Elon Musk. Better late than never for the mainstream but Porsche and the rest have some ground to make up.
